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Friday, May 31, 2013

First ATM of India Post in Bangalore





BANGALORE, INDIA: When you hear 'ATM', what is the first thing that you relate to it? I am sure, many of us, including me, relate it to savings bank ATM card.

How about an ATM card similar to a debit card/ATM card issued by a bank for postal account? Sounds different right?
Yes, the Department of Posts, in an effort to provide enhanced solutions to its customers is all set to launch the first Automated teller Machine (ATM) in Bangalore GPO premises shortly, through a core banking solution.
Last year, the department of post had announced that it has plans to set up 1,000 ATM centres at different post offices across the country, with an aim provide better customer service through IT enablement of business processes and support functions.
Implementing new banking solution enables postal department to offer all kinds of services that are offered by private banks to more than 200 million post office saving bank (POSB) account holders in 1.55 lakh post offices.
When CIOL enquired about the launch of India's first India Post ATM, an official concerned with the Bangalore post office said, on condition of anonymity, that the ATM facility will be launch shortly with good features.
He further added that the postal ATM card enables POSB account holders to withdraw money from any bank ATM, provided they have enough savings.
"POSB account holder need not rely only on Post Office ATMs," he added.
Recently, TCS announced that it had bagged a Rs 1,100 crore, six-year contract from the Department of Posts to provide end-to-end IT modernisation program to equip India Post with modern technologies and systems to enable it to serve more services to more customers, in an effective manner.
The IT modernisation project dubbed 'India Post 2012' will help the department achieve a wider reach among the Indian population through increased customer interaction channels and through new lines of business.

Source: http://nfpemavelikaradivision.blogspot.in/

Abolition of Posts - Legal Position

As per the orders issued by the Government of India in 2001 for abolishing posts as per screening committee recommendations, only 2/3 direct recruitment vacancies should be abolished. Promotional Posts should not be abolished. Based on this order NFPE Kerala filed a case in CAT Ernakulam against abolishing Postmen & Group ‘D’ posts, as these posts are promotional posts of GDS employees. Department argued that promotion from GDS to Postman/MTS is direct recruitment and not promotion. But CAT has not accepted Department arguments. CAT, Ernakulam bench delivered a Judgement that promotion from GDS to Postman/MTS is not direct recruitment but promotion. CAT Directed CPMG not to abolish Postman/MTS posts and to fill up all the posts by promoting GDS.


Department went on appeal to High court Kerala. But High Court confirmed CAT order. Accordingly in Kerala circle all the promotional posts of GDS were filled by promoting GDS. Based on the same order now P4 CHQ and GDS (NFPE) have filed a case in Principal CAT and obtained stay order from abolishing Postmen & MTS posts.

Some comrades are asking why abolition of PA/SA posts cannot by stayed. Department is not abolishing the promotional posts in the PA and SA cadre (LGOs vacancies). But they are abolishing direct recruitment vacancies only.

Eranakulam CAT order is not applicapable to Direct recruitment vacancies. It is applicable to promotional vacancies only. In the PA/SA cadre there is no promotional vacancy for GDS in the oustide quota (Direct Recruitment Quota). This is the legal position. There is no chance for getting stay order for PA/SA direct recruitment post as it is not promotional post. This is the legal advice received by us.

NFPE and CHQ has protested against the abolition of Posts, but Department of posts is taking a stand that eventhough they have tried best to get exemption from abolishing direct recruitment posts, the Government of India has not granted any exemption and hence the Direct recruitment vacancies recommended by screening committee up to 2008 have to be abolished. From 2009 onwards there is no abolition of posts and all the vacancies can filled up as per the orders of the Department.

Regarding postmen and MTS abolition, the abolition is stayed on Technical grounds stated above because the CAT Ernakulam has clearly ruled that promotion from GDS to Postman & MTS is not direct recruitment.

This argument cannot be raised in the case of PA/SA direct recruitment vacancies.
source: http://nfpe.blogspot.in/2013/05/abolition-of-posts-legal-position.html

CADRE RESTRUCTURING


“JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED”
The sixth CPC in para 1.2.13 of its report under the caption “Cadre Review” made the following observations – “Accordingly, as a matter of policy, the commission refrained from undertaking specific cadre reviews, that in any case need to be carried out within an institutional frame work”. Govt. of India has accepted the above recommendations of the Sixth CPC. Subsequently the Govt. has issued detailed instructions to all Ministers and Departments to undertake the process of Cadre Restructuring within their institutional frame work.
Accordingly, Cadre restructuring committees are constituted in most of the departments with the representatives of the staff-side. In Railways, the process is completed and waiting for approval of the Ministry, in Income Tax the proposal is awaiting Cabinet approval, in Central Secretariat orders in respect of certain cadres already issued. In many other small departments also the process is nearing completion.
In the Postal department the cadre restructuring of Group-C, Postmen, Mail Guard and MTS is long overdue. Department and Govt. implemented many cadre restructuring schemes for    Group- A and Group-B cadres. In the Group-C, Postman, Mail Guard & MTS cadre, the supervisory responsibilities are totally undermined after the introduction of TBOP and BCR scheme. The then existing Supervisory structure in each cadre was not properly nurtured and not improved to carry out the higher Supervisory responsibilities in tune with the changing technology. The supervisory posts in certain cadres are totally dismantled. There is absolute justification for restructuring the entire cadres. But the attitude of the Postal Board is totally negative despite several written assurances.
The Staff-side comprising NFPE and FNPO raised the issue of cadre restructuring in the charter of demands for the indefinite strike from 13.07.2010 In the marathon discussion held on 12.07.2010, the Secretary, Posts assured as follows in the minutes – “A committee comprising DDG (Estt.), DDG (P), and Director (SR) and three members of the Staff side, to be nominated by them, will be constituted to examine proposals in detail and submit recommendations. The entire process is to be completed before the close of the year i.e., 31-12-2010”. Again during the strike charter discussion on 01-07-2011, the Secretary, Posts gave the following assurances in the minutes – “The demand of the staff-side regarding cadre restructuring was discussed and the Chairperson agreed to reconstitute the committee under the Chairmanship of DDG(P), the Committee will finalize the proposals before 31-08-2011. Again on 12-01-2012 the Secretary, Posts assured that – “the Staffside expressed their concern about undue delay in finalization of the proposal on which the Chairperson desired finalization of this process by 31st March, 2012. It was assured that timelines would be adhered to”.
As regards restructuring of Postal Accounts it was informed that the proposal was cleared by JS & FA and stands referred to Secretary, Posts. It was also decided to have a separate Committee for MMS staff under the Chairmanship of Ms. Sandhya Rani, PMG(BD), Andhra Circle and with Director (MV) as other official members. The staff side members are also included. The committee was directed to submit its report within three months.
Assurances after assurances are given by none other than Secretary, Posts but nothing materialized. Finally as an insult to injury, the cadre restructuring proposal of Postal Accounts which is already been finalized by the Committee is returned to the PA wing of the Directorate after keeping the file pending for more than one year, stating certain irrelevant issues which has no relevance on the cadre restructuring proposal of Postal Accounts Staff. Similarly, in the status Report on the items included in the memorandum submitted by the Postal JCA on 01-04-2013, it is informed as follows : “DDG(P), Chairman of the Committee informed that he has submitted his report on 06-11-2012 to the DDG (ESTT.). He has been requested to submit full report with enclosures duly signed by the Committee Members….!!!!! Nothing is mentioned about the Postal Accounts wing. Regarding MMS, it is informed that the report is submitted is under process. All the cadres including PA, SA, Postman, Mail Guard, MTS, Admn. Staff, Postal Accounts, MMS, System Administrators, accountants, Postmasters cadre, SBCO etc., are all eagerly waiting for the outcome of the cadre restructuring.
Thus it can be seen that the lethargic and indifferent attitude of the Official side members of the Committee and the unhelpful attitude of the Postal Board is the root cause of the delay.
             Even though the new Secretary, Posts after taking over charge has assured that action will be taken for  expediting the finalization of the cadre restructuring proposals, nothing seems to be moving. A situation has arisen wherein the employees can not be allowed to suffer any further. The Postal JCA has viewed the situation with grave concern and shall embark upon serious agitational programmes including non-cooperation, if the authorities till try to drag on the issue on one pretext or other. NFPE Federal Council to be held at Hyderabad from 9th to 12th June 2013 shall also review the entire situation and take appropriate decision for a united action.

Incidental Charges to GDS

Incidental Charges to GDS for the period of imparted trainings - new rates sanctioned

In the recent past, the GDS BPMs/GDSDA are under go for training  on various aspects leaving their work places to divisional head quarters or to some other places away from their subdivisions/divisions for  certain period of days. It was reported that the remuneration / incidental charges paid to such GDSs are @ Rs.40 per day or some thing which was very meager and GDS are suffered a lot on bearing the expenditure for such training period. In some places the said period has been treated as on duty, some were suggested for paid leave / LWA etc.,

Our CHQ brought this items to the notice of the Directorate through letter No.AIPEU-GDS(NFPE)/DG/CHARGES-GDS/2012, Dated 30-10-2012 and now it has been reiterated with new sanction by the Directorate 

Detention of Post Parcel by Customs in India


1.      Post Parcel has been detained by Customs since the value of the contents exceeds permissible limit of Rs.2000/-. The dutiable articles, intended for personal use, imported by post or air, are restricted subject to value limit of Rs.2000/-(CIF), as per the conditions laid down under the CTH 9804 under the clause 3(1)(i) of Foreign Trade (Exemption from application of Rules in certain cases) order, 1993. In view of the above restriction the goods having value more than Rs.2000/-(CIF) become restricted for import and the same are liable for confiscation under Section 111 (d) of the Customs Act, 1962 and the Importer is liable for penalty under Section 112(a)(i) of the Customs Act, 1962.

2.      Bonafide gifts upto a value limit of Rs.10000/- imported by Post are allowed free of duty under Notfn No.171/93 – Cus. Dated 16.09.1993 (as amended). Items imported as gift are restricted for importation under Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation ) Act, 1992. The gift articles exceeding limit of Rs.10000/- are leviable to duty @ 41.492%.

3.      Bonafide commercial samples and proto types upto a value of Rs.10000/- are also allowed free of duty under Notfn No.154/1994 dated 13/07/1994 (as amended), subject to the condition that the said goods have been supplied free of charge.

4.      The goods intended to be imported other than articles for personal use and gift are chargeable to duty under respective chapter heading, subject to production of IEC No. and other relevant documents required for such import. Persons importing goods for personal use and the goods not connected with trade or manufacture or agriculture, are exempt from IEC code. In case the customs duty payable is not more than Rs.100/- the same is exempt vide Notfn No.21/2002-Cus, dated 01.03.2002 (as amended).

5.      The post parcel containing Medicine / Chemicals shall be released only after obtaining a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from Drug Controller / Chemical Examiner, Addl. Drug Controller available in the office.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Central Government Employees Pension – Frequently Asked Questions

Mass Dharna in front of Divisional Offices

AIPEU-GDS(NFPE) STRUGGLE PROGRAM CONDUCTED SUCCESSFULLY


Reports received by CHQ from various Circles that the first phase of progamMass Dharna in front of Divisional Offices conducted successfully in many divisions. Even though  day temperature is high in most parts of the country, GDS comrades gathered in large number to stage Dharna in the premises of Post Offices / Divisional offices.

CHQ conveys revolutionary greetings and thanks to all GDS comrades and NFPE Leaders of all affiliated unions for extending their total support & cooperation to make this program successful.

Further requesting to mobilize the GDS members to hold second phase of program “Mass Dharna” in front of all Circle Offices / Regional Offices on 25-06-2013.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Draft Triennial report of National Federation of Postal Employees for the period from June 2010 to May 2013 placed before the Federal Council held at Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) from 09.06.2013 to 12.6.2013

Rates of Night Duty Allowance w.e.f. 01.01.2013: Railway Board Order

भारत सरकार GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
रेल मंत्रालय MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(रेलवे बोर्ड RAILWAY BOARD)
RBE No.    48/2013
No.E(P&A)II-2013/HW-2
New Delhi, dated 21-05-2013.

   
The General Managers/CAOs,
All Indian Railways & Prod. Units etc,
(As per mailing lists Nod & II).

Subject: Rates of Night Duty Allowance w.e.f. 01.01.2013.
+++++
       Consequent to sanction of an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance vide this Ministry's letter No. PC-VI/2008/117/2/1 dated 26.04.2013. the President is pleased to decide that the rates ofNight Duty Allowance, as notified vide Annexures 'A' and ‘B' of Board's letter No. E(P&A)II-2012/HW- I dated 21.11.2012 stand revised with effect from 01.01.2013 as indicated at Annexure A' in respect of 'Continuous', 'Intensive', 'Excluded' categories and workshop employees, and as indicated at Annexure 'IV in respect of 'Essentially Intermittent' categories.



2.    This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.
DA:One.   
sd/-
(K.Shankar)
Director/E(P&A)
Railway Board.

अनुबंध "क"
ANNEXURE 'A'
अनुबंध "ख"
ANNEXURE 'B"
गहन, निरंतर एवं वर्जित कोटियों तथा कारखाना कर्मचारियों के लिए 1.1.2013 से लागू रात्रि-कालीन डयूटी भत्ते की दरें।
Rates of Night Duty Allowance (NDA) with effect from 01.01.2013 for 'Intensive', 'Continuous' and 'Excluded' categories and Workshop staff.
अनिवार्य संविरामी कोटियों के लिए 1.1.2013 से लागू रात्रि-कालीन डयूटी भत्ते की दरें।
Rates of Night Duty Allowance (NDA) with effect from 01.01.2013 for 'Essentially Intermittent' categories of Staff
क्रम संवेतन बैंडग्रेड वेतनरात्रि-कालीन डयूटी भत्ते की दर
S.No.Pay BandGrade PayRate of NDA (in Rs.)
14440-7440130060.60
24440-7440140061.45
34440-7440160063.15
44440-7440165063.55
55200-202001800121.40
65200-202001900122.25
75200-202002000123.05
85200-202002400126.40
95200-202002800129.75
109300-348004200219.75
119300-348004600 and above (4600 व अधिक)223.10
क्रम संवेतन बैंडग्रेड वेतनरात्रि-कालीन डयूटी भत्ते की दर
S.No.Pay BandGrade PayRate of NDA (in Rs.)
14440-7440130040.40
24440-7440140040.95
34440-7440160042.10
44440-7440165042.35
55200-20200180080.95
65200-20200190081.50
75200-20200200082.05
85200-20200240084.25
95200-20200280086.50
109300-348004200146.50
119300-348004600 and above (4600 व अधिक)148.75

Source: AIRF
[http://www.airfindia.com/Orders%202013/NDA%20RBE%2048_2013_21.05.2013.pdf]

Monday, May 27, 2013

Availing of LTC (Leave Travel Concession) in current block year


               Everyone knows that all central government employees can avail LTC through their respective department and can use this opportunity for travelling to any part India. This concession can be availed in block years.  A block year consists of four calendar years. As far this block year is concerned, this year 2013 is the last year in this particular block year – i.e. 2010-2013.
                Employees can use this opportunity this year itself without waiting for an extension in the next year. In the last couple of years the block years were extended for another one year for the benefit of many of our employees who are not utilizing it properly. In JCM Meetings, Trade unions and Federations are demanding more facilities in LTC like Air Travel from anywhere in India. Now employees can travel to Jammu & Kashmir and North Eastern States by air. The government has informed that only about 20% of the employees are utilizing this concession.
                Going for vacation to different places with family and friends gives the entire family, a fresh atmosphere.  Mingling with friends and other people in different places nourishes our thoughts and minds. In foreign countries, going for a vacation is encouraged very much. To conclude, all central government employees should grab this golden opportunity to travel to any part our country and can enjoy their vacation.

Cabinet approves IT Dept Cadre Restructuring; 40,000 additional posts

             The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the proposal for creation of 20,751 additional posts in the Income Tax Department in various cadres that is 1349 additional posts in the IRS cadre and 19,402 additional posts in the non-IRS cadres. This will help the Income Tax Department collect increased revenue and provide better tax payers services.


                      An additional expenditure of Rs. 449.71 crore per annum is likely to be incurred on creation of additional posts and upgradation of some existing posts. This additional expenditure would be more than compensated by the increased revenue of more than Rs. 25,000 crore per annum proposed to be generated as a result of this exercise

anomalies in Salary : Govt. clarification in Lok sabha

Saturday, May 25, 2013

GDS AND CASUAL LABOUR LATEST NEWS


   1.      Postal Board has sent the proposal for introducing Health Insurance Scheme to GDS, to Finance Ministry for approval.

   2.      GDS Bonus ceiling limit raising – Finance Ministry has again returned the file with adverse comments.
  3.      Casual Labourers Committee recommendations have been considered by the Postal Board and proposal of the Postal Board is being sent to Finance Ministry for approval. Kerala CAT also directed the Department to communicate its decision on the Casual Labour committee’s recommendations to the CAT.
Mass Dharna will be conducted in front of all Divisional offices on 28.05.2013demanding immediate settlement of GDS demands. The Dharna will be organized by  AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) and NFPE.

HOW TO FILE AN RTI APPLICATION


          An RTI application can be made on a sheet of plain paper and can have any number of questions. It should be addressed to the public information officer of the department or organisation concerned. Rs.10/- should be paid as application fee by cash or through postal order, court fee stamp or demand draft. Questions should be direct and leave no room for the information officer to give vague replies. Information officer has to reply within 30 days of receipt of the application, failing which he is liable to a fine of 250 per day. Appeal can be filed with the head of the department in which the application was filed, if the information officer fails to reply within the deadline. Second appeal can be filed before the central or state information commission if applicant is not satisfied with the replies. 


           According to Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, information means any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails , press releases, circulars, contracts, samples, models, data held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law in force.

File an RTI application in 5 simple steps:

1. Identify the department/subject of your query. Is it a state or a central subject? Keep in mind that different rules apply even though they fall under the same Act.
2. Do a little background research. Find out what information falls under the purview of the department concerned.
3. Phrase your questions wisely and precisely. Ask for a copy of the documents. Fill up the RTI application form (application form given).
4. Attach court fee stamp or Indian Postal Order of worth Rs 10 with the application and keep a copy of it with you for future reference.
5. Post your application or hand it over personally to the ‘TAPAL” also called as Inward/Outward section of the respective department.

The essential requirements of an application filed under the RTI Act are:
(a) The applicant should be a citizen of India.
(b) The application should contain the particulars of information sought.
(c) The evidence of payment of application fee should be enclosed.
(d) The address of the applicant should be available for sending a reply.
Personal details except those necessary for contacting an applicant are neither required to be mentioned nor can be called for by the PIO.




Friday, May 24, 2013

9th Federal Council of NFPE

Dear Comrades,

You are well aware that the  9th Federal Council of NFPE is scheduled from 9th to 12th June, 2013 in Hyderabad.

The Reception Committee made an appeal to offer financial contributions / advertisements from the Members, Leaders, Well-wishers to conduct the Council meeting in a grand manner.

The contributions may be sent through .... 

Money Order /e-MO 

addressed to :

RECEPTION COMMITTEE
9th FEDERAL COUNCIL
B-1, P& T QRS.
CHIKKADAPALLY
HYDERABAD - 520 020

For online deposits / transactions :

A/C No.860010110008489
BANK OF INDIA, HYDERABAD
RECEPTION COMMITTEE
9th FEDERAL COUNCIL.

For further details :

General Secretary
K.RAMACHANDRAM
09347336343
e-mail : krchandramco@gmail.com

Financial Secretary:
D.NARASIMHA MURTHY
09848111607

Thursday, May 23, 2013

English Subject in Recruitment Examination: Lok Sabha Q&A



GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 6880
ANSWERED ON 08.05.2013
ENGLISH SUBJECT IN RECRUITMENT EXAMINATIONS
6880 . Shri RAKESH SINGH
Will the Minister of PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether English subject is mandatory in the recruitment of examination for the Government jobs in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether candidates of rural, poor and lower middle-class, lacking knowledge of English subject, are deprived of these jobs as a result thereof;
(d) if so, whether the Government is likely to take action to do away with the compulsion of English subject for all such examinations; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken in this regard?


ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a) & (b): Recruitment for the Government jobs in the country is made in accordance with the approved rules/schemes framed on the basis of job profile and functional requirements of the posts. Most of such recruitments in the Central Government are made on all India basis and the candidates selected through open competitive examinations are required to serve anywhere in India. Testing of English language either as a language paper or component of General English is prescribed as a part of some of the examinations conducted by the two main recruiting agencies of the Central Government viz. Union Public Service Commission(UPSC) and Staff Selection Commission (SSC) as per functional needs.

(c): No such instance has been brought to the notice of the Government.

(d) & (e): Do not arise in view of reply to (c) above.

Source: http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/psearch/QResult15.aspx?qref=141286

CONFEDERATION CIRCULAR NO. 2 DATED 22nd MAY, 2013



CONFEDERATION OFCENTRAL GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS.
1st  Floor North Avenue Post Office Building, 
New Delhi-110001
Website:confederationhq.blogspot.com 
 Ph. No. 011.23092771
  
Conf/ 2 /2013                                      Dated: 22nd  May,2013.

Dear Comrade,

The National Conference of Confederation held at Kolkata from 4th to 6th May, 2013 had directed he Secretariat to pursue the efforts to have a joint platform for struggles along with the Railways and Defence Federations. As a step towards that end, a meeting with the General Secretary of the All India Railway- men Federation has been arranged to take place on 28th inst.  We shall convey to you the outcome of the discussions on 28th.

The next meeting to discuss the pension related issues with the Secretary (Pension) will be held on 28th May, 2013. Com. S.K. Vyas, Advisor and Com. K.K.N. Kutty, President will attend the meeting. A brief note on the outcome of the discussions will be placed on the website after 28th inst.

The Conference had also decided that the Confederation must pursue the 15 point charter of demands through independent endeavours.   Accordingly the Conference had called upon all affiliates and the State Committees to organize a massive dharna  programme on 20th June, 2013. The State Committees are requested to organize the programme in consultation with the respective units of the affiliates at all State Capitals as also other important towns and centres.  A report on the implementation of the programme may please be sent to the CHQ by 10TH July, 2013.

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,
M.Krishnan
Secretary General.
Mobile: 09447068125
eMail: ID mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

AGITATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR AIPEU GDS (NFPE)-UNIONS


AIPEU-GDS(NFPE) STRUGGLE PROGRAMME


Dear Comrades,

As it was decided in our 1st All India Conference held in Chennai, the following struggle program has to be conducted by all the members of AIPEU-GDS (NFPE) in all the Divisions/Circles.

28-05-2013 
Day long dharna in front of all Divisional offices in all Circles.
25-06-2013 
Day long dharna in front of all Circle Offices.
23-07-2013 
Day long dharna infront of Dak Bhawan, New Delhi along with other affiliated unions of NFPE.
September 2013 
'March to Parliament' by GDS employees 
(subject to the commencement of Parliament session, date will be announced later)
Last Phase
Indefinite strike (date will be announced later)

CHQ Circular has already been published / posted to all CHQ office bearers & all Circle Secretaries to conduct the struggle program with the affiliated unions of NFPE, by arrange meetings to mobilize the GDS members to make the program successful.

Demands of Central Government Employees: Question raised in Lok Sabha


DEMANDS OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 6670
ANSWERED ON 08.05.2013
DEMANDS OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
6670 . Shri RAKESH SINGH

Will the Minister of PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has considered various demands of the Central Government employeesand if so, the details thereof; 
(b) whether the Government has held discussions with the Trade Unions and other organisations before the Nation wide strike; 
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; 
(d) whether the Government proposes to consider the demands in the interest of employees; and 
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY) 

(a): The Government has in operation a Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) scheme and as per thescheme of JCM, this Department deals with staff side on the National Council (JCM). The JCM schemeis for promoting harmonious relations and of securing the greatest measure of cooperation between the Government, in its capacity as employer and the general body of its employees in matters of common concern and deals with issues and demands raised by the staff side. Regular interactions are held at requisite levels to address the concerns of Government employees. 

(b) & (c): A meeting was convened by Union Minister of Labour & Employment with the representatives of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) on the 13th February, 2013 to discuss the charter of demands and call for all India strike given by the Central Trade Unions on 20th and 21st February, 2013. Subsequently, a Group of Ministers (GoM) held a meeting with the representatives of the major CTUs on 18th February, 2013. The Union representatives were assured that Government is serious on the demands related to working class and taking all possible measures to redress them. An appeal was issued to them to withdraw the strike. 

(d) & (e): Government has taken various measures to address the concerns raised by the trade unions. These relate to huge amount spent on food subsidy to ensure availability of food grains to the poor at very concessional rate through the Public Distribution System, the Food Security Bill to further increase the availability of subsidized food grains to the larger segments of the population. National Employment Policy has been prepared by the Ministry of Labour & Employment to ensure inclusive and equitable growth process, so as to achieve the goal of remunerative and decent employment for all women and men in the labour force. The Government has enacted Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 and has also set up Nation Social Security Fund (NSSF) with a corpus of Rs.1000 crore. National Social Security Board has also been constituted which is advising the Government from time to time on Social Security Schemes. Action to amend the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970 is underway wherein it is, inter-alia, proposed that in case where the contract labour perform the same or similar kind of work as the workmen directly appointed by the principal employer, the wage rates, holidays, social security provisions of contract labour shall be the same as are available to the directly appointed workmen on the roll of principal employer. Further, a Bill is being brought before the Parliament to amend the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 to provide aNational Floor Level Minimum Wage.

Source: Lok Sabha Q&A

INVITATION FOR THE 36TH CIRCLE CONFERENCE OF AIPEU GR.C TN CIRCLE


AGITATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR AIPEU GDS (NFPE)-UNIONS



As per decision of the 1st AIC of AIPEU GDS (NFPE) MASS DHARNA IN FRONT OF ALL DIVISIONAL OFFICES will be conducted on 28th  MAY 2013 TUESDAY as the first phase of the agitational programme culminating in indefinite strike .
 NFPE calls upon all India /Circle/Divisional Unions to make it a joint programme of NFPE, extend full support and also to make it a grand success=M. Krishnan, SG NFPE

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Merger of 50% DA issue: Dearness Allowance as Dearness Pay - Reply by FinMin in Rajya Sabha


Three questions were pending in parliament about hot issue of merger of 50% DA in basic pay of Central Governement Employees & Pensioner.  Question No. 4384 "Dearness Allowance as Dearness Pay" Question No. 4385 "DA merging issue" and Question No. 3139 "Merger of DA of Central Government Employees", now replied by Govt..  
1.  Unstarred Question: No. 4384 - Dearness Allowance as Dearness Pay
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  FINANCE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-4384
ANSWERED ON-07.05.2013
Dearness Allowance as Dearness Pay
4384 . SARDAR BALWINDER SINGH BHUNDAR
(a) whether the earlier Pay Commissions for Central Government Employees had recommended that a certain percentage of Dearness Allowance to be treated as Dearness Pay;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) by when the salaried class as well as pensioners are likely to be benefited so as to overcome the hardship being faced by them to maintain their day-to-day household expenses?



ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (E & FS) (Shri Namo Narain Meena)

(a)&(b) The 5th Pay Commission had recommended that Dearness Allowance should be converted into Dearness Pay each time the Consumer Price Index increases by 50% over the base index used by the last pay Commission. Accordingly the Government issued orders on 27.02.2004 for merging of 50% of the DA with the basic pay w.e.f.01.04.2004.

(c) The 6th Central Pay Commission had recommended not to merge Dearness Allowance with basic pay at any stage. Government has accepted this recommendation vide Resolution dated 29.08.2008. Hence the question to merge DA with basic pay does not arise. However, the rate of DA is being revised at periodic intervals.
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2. Unstarred Question No. 4385: DA merging issue


GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  FINANCE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-4385
ANSWERED ON-07.05.2013
DA merging issue
4385. SHRI PRABHAT JHA

(a) whether Government is contemplating to merge 50 per cent of Dearness Allowance (DA) with basic pay in view of high inflation, steep rise in price of essential articles and miserable condition of CentralGovernment employees;
(b) if so, the details thereof; 
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the reasons for delay in announcement of DA rates effective from 1 January, 2013?

ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (E & FS) ( Shri Namo Narain Meena)

(a) No Sir.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) The 6th Central Pay Commission had recommended not to merge Dearness Allowance with basic pay at any stage. Government has accepted this recommendation vide Resolution dated 29.08.2008.

(d) There is no time frame/date prescribed for announcement of Dearness Allowance. The revision of rate of Dearness Allowance is announced by the Government as and when approved by the Cabinet.

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3. Unstarred Question No. 3139: Merger of DA of Central Government Employees

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF  FINANCE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3139
ANSWERED ON-23.04.2013
Merger of DA of Central Government Employees
3139 . SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN SINGH, SALIM ANSARI
(a) whether it is a fact that Dearness Allowance (DA) of Central Government employees and pensioners is merged with the basic pay when it breaches the 50 % per cent cap;
(b)  if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the reasons for not merging the DA with basic pay as it has already breached 50 % per cent mark?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (E&FS)
(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) No Sir.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) The 6th Central Pay Commission has recommended not to merge dearness allowance with basic pay at any stage. Government has accepted this recommendation vide Resolution dated 29.08.2008.

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Source: Rajya Sabha Website